One of the most interesting parts of this role is that there is no ‘typical’ workday.
1. Please explain your role at BRE.
Having joined BRE in 2011, I am now a Regional Manager for Asia. My role includes developing LPCB business in active and passive fire protection systems and acting as an auditor for Fire Suppression projects.
My location and industry knowledge also mean that I act as liaison between existing, potential and new clients in Asia & the BRE Global experts and laboratories in the UK.
2. What does your typical workday look like?
One of the most interesting parts of this role is that there is no ‘typical’ workday. One day I could be travelling to a client’s manufacturing location to assess their production line, laboratory testing equipment and facilities for witness testing. Another day I could be attending technical meetings around fire suppression, fire detection, fire resistant cables, fire doors or similar.
I spend time developing relationships with worldwide fire protection associations. I also interact with clients on projects, liaising with colleagues on the status of projects and attending business and technical group meetings.
It is very varied!
3. What drew you to BRE originally?
BRE is well-respected globally and I discovered BRE to be the world leading authority in several aspects, including the built environment, and the leading force of fire and security approvals.
Having always had a passion for fire discipline in the built environment, I joined the organisation to commit to building a better and safer world together.
4. What do you enjoy most about working at BRE?
We are very much a customer-led, collaborative, innovative and ambitious organisation. I enjoy working with a wide range of international clients, stakeholders, government specifiers and consultants all coming together for one mission – to save the planet, people, and property. We’re able to share the knowledge we have gained from BRE and give it back to benefit our clients.
I enjoy working with different teams around the organisation and I am grateful for the close relationships I have built with my colleagues in every department.
I am especially grateful to my team – Mr Crispin Francis, Mr Simon Alderson, Ms Gael Temple, Ms Lorraine Preston, Mr James Grainger, and Mr Edward Gaynor – for their continued guidance in the right direction.
“The Only Constant in Life Is Change”
5. How has the company changed since you joined 10 years ago?
“The Only Constant in Life Is Change”. BRE is an independent building science centre with over 100 years’ experience of leading-edge facilities. The knowledge, resilience and perseverance built over that century meant that it has been able to surpass challenges, such as COVID, through the towering leadership of our Chief Executive Officer, Gillian Charlesworth, and necessary adaptions to provide service to our clients.
Over the last 10 years we have seen a more remote workforce and introduced several new processes throughout the business to redefine ourselves and learn from our fellow colleagues, sharpening our skillsets.
6. Tell us about a challenge your clients have come across? How do you help them solve it?
COVID restrictions, imposed in some form globally, formed the biggest challenge ever faced by the industry in offering services to clients. BRE were able to prevail through the time, showcasing how to carry out projects irrespective of the situation.
As international travelling was restricted, we had to collaborate remotely with technical experts at the BRE headquarters and utilise our regional presence to audit production facilities. I personally was able to be a bridge between the client project works and Fire Suppression Team at BRE’s headquarters by renewing my auditor’s license through required training and examination, and I am continuing to do so with their support and guidance.
7. What are you most excited about going forward in the industry?
There is currently an increased demand for safety systems within several industries, including manufacturing, construction, and energy/power. I am looking forward to seeing new and innovative developments from clients I work with in response to this.
8. Of all your career achievements to date, which one are you most proud of, and why?
The BRE Achievement Award/Reward I received in June 2016 was my humblest moment, as I received them from the hands of my mentors Dr Peter Bonfield OBE and Mr Graham Orme, supported by Dr Debbie Smith and Dr Sarah Colwell. I’m indebted to all for their kind gesture and support.
9. What are three words you would associate with BRE
Knowledge, compassion, kindness.
If you have a question for Kamil, please contact him directly.
LPCB product certification process
What is product certification?
Certification (or approval) is independent third party confirmation that a product or system meets and continues to meet the appropriate standard. BRE Global offers independent third party certification to existing British, European, International and its own Loss Prevention Standards (LPSs) or Schedules of Requirements